A post-election thanks

One thing we found particularly interesting about this election season, and for which we are grateful, is the degree to which people have been thinking and acting innovatively about challenges to the status quo in general and to the two-party system in particular. That system has clearly become untenable on a national level, and efforts like the creation of the local Rural Heritage Party are to be applauded as possibly the beginnings of a movement to start making a change from the roots up. The fact that only three candidates listed on the Rural Heritage line nosed their way past the finish line on this first try (a couple of other races could still tip, with absentee ballots uncounted as of press time) does not necessarily belie that conclusion. Introducing political brands and new political faces takes time and exposure. We expect to see some of these challengers participating in the public discourse regarding town governance over the coming years, and would not be surprised to see alternative candidates become a stronger force in the next election. And remember that sometimes the most important reason to run for office is not to win, but to change the conversation.

We doubt there’s anybody who is ever satisfied with the outcome of each and every race in any election year. But we are excited and encouraged by the level of participation and excitement that we saw this year, and we look forward hopefully to the performance of the new administrations, and the developing possibilities of election cycles in years to come.